Best Workers' Comp Insurance in New York

Your workers' comp rates in New York depend on your industry and team size. Find answers to common coverage questions below.

NEXT leads workers' comp insurance in New York with top-rated customer support and comprehensive policy options. The company excels at helping business owners navigate claims and offers extensive coverage tailored to various industries. The Hartford and Simply Business also provide solid alternatives for New York entrepreneurs.  

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We've analyzed coverage options, rates and customer service across New York's top workers' comp providers.

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NEXT leads New York with the most affordable workers' comp insurance at $80 monthly ($963 annually), which beats the state average by $5 per month and saves you 6% on coverage costs. Thimble and The Hartford round out the top three cheapest options, with monthly premiums of $81 and $81 respectively. The table below shows costs from all companies we analyzed.

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The Hartford offers the most affordable tutoring coverage at $11 monthly or $127 annually. The Hartford leads pricing in 12 industries, including pet care, hospitality and contractor businesses. NEXT ranks second overall but dominates 19 industries, particularly excelling in marketing, food services and retail sectors.

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New York workers' comp insurance cost averages $85 monthly ($1,025 annually), running $11 above the national average of $74. Industry rates vary, ranging from $18 ($9 per employee) for ad agencies to $244 ($122 per employee) for window cleaning companies.

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These cost factors affect workers' compensation insurance rates in New York:

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New York law requires workers' compensation coverage for virtually all employers with at least one employee. The state doesn't set minimum coverage amounts because policies provide unlimited liability for employees. Your policy automatically covers all medical expenses, lost wages and disability benefits without dollar caps. Coverage costs depend on your payroll and industry classification, not on selecting limits.

Operating without the required workers' compensation coverage triggers penalties up to $2,000 for every 10-day period. Businesses with five or fewer employees face misdemeanor charges with fines between $1,000 and $5,000. Employers with more than five employees commit a class E felony, punishable by fines between $5,000 and $50,000 and possible imprisonment up to four years.

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While you're required to have coverage in New York, some business categories are exempt from workers' comp requirements:

• Sole proprietors: You don't need coverage if you run your business alone without employees. Once you hire your first employee, you're automatically excluded from your company's policy but can add yourself by filing Form C-105.32.
• Partners and LLC members: Self-employed individuals running partnerships or LLCs don't need workers' comp unless they hire employees. Even with employees, partners and members stay excluded from coverage but can elect to join the policy.
• One or two-person corporations: Corporate officers who own all the stock and hold all offices are exempt when they have no other employees. Both officers in a two-person setup must each own at least one share to qualify for the exemption.
• Real estate and insurance professionals: Real estate agents, brokers, and insurance agents working as independent contractors under signed agreements with their brokers are exempt from coverage requirements.
• Media sales representatives: Media sales reps who sign contracts establishing independent contractor status don't need workers' comp coverage.
• Religious workers: Clergy and members of religious orders employed by nonprofits are exempt when performing only religious duties. Manual labor like filing, cleaning, or property maintenance disqualifies this exemption.
• Nonprofit teachers: Teachers working for religious, charitable, or educational 501(c)(3) organizations are exempt when they stick to teaching duties only.
• Nonprofit volunteers: Volunteers who donate time without receiving pay, stipends, room and board, or any other compensation don't need coverage.
• Nonprofit executive officers and non-manual workers: Executive officers of 501(c)(3) organizations who perform no manual labor are exempt. Individuals performing only non-manual work for these organizations also qualify.
• Amateur athletes: Members of supervised amateur sports programs run on a nonprofit basis are exempt, provided they don't work for any business involved in the activity.
• Charitable aid recipients: People receiving aid from religious or charitable institutions who work in exchange for that help without a formal employment contract are exempt.
• NYC public safety workers: New York City police officers, firefighters, and sanitation workers receive benefits under New York State General Municipal Law instead of standard workers' comp coverage.
• Domestic workers: Household employees like sitters, companions, and live-in help working fewer than 40 hours per week for the same employer don't require coverage.
• Casual workers: People doing occasional yard work or chores at one-family homes or nonprofit premises are exempt from coverage requirements.
• Farm family members: Your spouse and minor children working on your farm are exempt unless you've signed a formal employment contract with them.

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Getting workers' comp insurance with the right provider at the best price means matching coverage to your industry's specific risks and requirements.

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NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business rank as New York's top workers' comp insurers. Research each company's service quality, maximize discounts and select coverage that fits your budget.

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